Natural marine source phospholipids comprising polyunsaturated fatty acids and their applications

ABSTRACT

A phospholipid extract from a marine or aquatic biomass possesses therapeutic properties. The phospholipid extract comprises a variety of phospholipids, fatty acid, metals and a novel flavonoid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/307,842, filed Jul. 27, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to nutraceutical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions, particularly to phospholipid compositions derived from natural marine or aquatic sources.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

WO 92/21335 published on Dec. 10, 1992 and corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 5,434,183 issued on Jul. 18, 1995 describes a phospholipid emulsion derived from marine and/or synthetic origin comprising polyunsaturated fatty acids and having anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects and which promotes-normal brain or retinal development and function. U.S. Pat. No. 5,434,183 does not disclose the presence of flavonoids or nervonic acid (a mono-unsaturated fatty acid) in the composition.

JP 2215351, published on Aug. 28, 1990, discloses a method for extracting and purifying phospholipids from fresh krill. Krill is lyophilized and then extracted with ethanol to produce an extract which is fractionated by absorption column chromatography to produce high purity phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine. There is no disclosure of a composition comprising a flavonoid or nervonic acid.

WO 00/23546, published on Apr. 27, 2000, discloses method for extracting lipid fractions from marine and aquatic animal material by acetone extractions. The resulting non-soluble and particulate fraction is further solvent extract with ethanol or ethylacetate to achieve further lipid extractions.

Hosokawa et al. (35), published in 2000, discloses the conversion of docosahexanoic acid containing phosphatidylcholines (DHA-PC) from squid skin lecithin to docosahexanoic acid containing phosphadylserines (DHA-PS) via transphosphatidylation with phospholipase D (PLD). According the Table 2 of this reference, the fatty acid composition of the phospholipid includes important portions of eicosapentanoic acid. There is no disclosure concerning any pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or cosmetic use of a composition comprising a flavonoid.

Henderson et al. (36), published in 1994, discloses lipid compositions of the pineal organ from rainbow trout comprising phospholipids. According to Table 4 of this reference, said phospholipids contain fatty acids corresponding to eicosapentanoic and docosahexanoic acid. Similarly, Bell et al. (37), published in 1991, discloses phospholipid compositions derived from different organs of cod. Moreover, Wiegand et al. (38), published in 1983, discloses polyene derivatives of phosphatidylcholine as phospholipid molecular species of frog receptor membranes. However, there is no disclosure in any of these references concerning any pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or cosmetic use of a composition comprising a flavonoid.

WO 97/39759, published on Oct. 30, 1997, discloses ω-3 fatty acids and ω-3 phosphatidylcholine in the treatment of bipolar disorder. The preferred ω-3 phosphatidylcholine derivatives comprise eicosapentanoic and/or docosahexanoic acid. However, there is no disclosure concerning any pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or cosmetic use of phospholipids beyond the treatment of bipolar disorder or the use of a composition comprising a flavonoid.

EP 0609078 A1, published on Mar. 8, 1994, discloses a phospholipid comprising two different unsaturated fatty acids, wherein a preferred phospholipid contains both eicosapentanoic and docosahexanoic acid. Furthermore, the phospholipid can be used in the preparation of foods, skin care preparations, or pharmaceutical agent. However, there is no disclosure concerning any pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or cosmetic use of a composition comprising a flavonoid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides novel phospholipids, wherein the two fatty acids chains of the phospholipid are occupied by eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) simultaneously, within the same molecule, i.e.: a phospholipid of the general formula (I):

wherein X represents a moiety normally found in a phospholipid.

According to a further aspect of the present inversion there is provided a composition, comprising:

-   -   (a) a phospholipid of the general formula (I),

-   -   -   wherein X is —CH₂CH₂NH₃, —CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₃or

and

-   -   (b) a flavonoid of the general formula (II),

In a further aspect, the invention provides a novel flavonoid compound (II):

There is also provided a composition comprising the above noted phospholipid and flavonoid derived from a marine or aquatic biomass. The composition and the components are useful in the prevention or treatment of a variety of disease states and for the aesthetic enhancement of an animal, including human, body. Commercial packages containing the composition are also within the invention.

The novel phospholipids and the novel flavonoid compound are derived from an extract from a marine or aquatic biomass.

There is also provided a phospholipid extract comprising the above noted phospholipids and flavonoid compound derived from a marine or aquatic biomass. The extract and the components are useful in the prevention or treatment of a variety of disease states and for the aesthetic enhancement of an animal, including human, body. Pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic compositions containing the extract and uses thereof are also within the invention, as are commercial packages contain the compositions of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 1. Phospholipids

Phospholipids are complex lipids containing phosphorus. The phosphatides, known as phospholipids, are usually divided into groups on the basis of compounds from which they are derived. In addition to two chains of fatty acids they contain phosphoric acid, glycerol and nitrogenous bases such as choline. Important phospholipids are phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylinositol (PI). Them nature as amphophilic molecules provides them with unique physicochemical properties. Their function as the principle components of cell membranes makes phospholipids essential for all vital cell processes. They are wide spread as secretory and structural components of the body and can mimic or enhance natural physiological process.

Phospholipid production may be either synthetic or through extraction from natural tissues. The chief source of commercial natural phospholipids are soybean, egg yolk and cows (brain and liver). Since an individual phospholipid may contain a variety of fatty acid residues, it may be described as pure only with this limitation in mind. Naturally occurring essential polyunsaturated fatty acids can contribute to the activation of cellular metabolism. The main fatty acid found in phospholipid products is linoleic acid (C18:2n6), present in soybean at more than 65%. The longest chain polyunsaturated fatty acids found in commercially available phospholipids either as preparations or individually are 20:4 among the eicosanoids, known as arachidonic acid, and 22:6 known as docosahexanoic acid.

Arachidonic acid is a fatty acid that is found as part of phospholipid membranes, generally as part of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol. Adverse cellular stimuli will activate enzymes (phospholipase) that cleave arachidonic acid from the phospholipid backbone in the cell membrane. Arachidonic acid, which serves as the precursor for prostaglandins and prostacyclin (PGs, PGI₂) and thromboxane (TXs), can then be metabolized by one of two major pathways: the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway or the lipoxygenase pathway. The COX pathway products, PGG₂ and PGH₂, can then be acted upon by thromboxane synthase (in platelets) or prostacyclin synthase (in endothelium) to form TXs or PGI₂, respectively. Arachidonic acid can also be acted upon by 5-lipoxygenase, primarily in leukocytes, to form leukotrienes (LTs). One or more of these metabolites can mediate all the sings and symptoms associated with arachidonic acid, i.e. inflammatory disease and pain.

Platelets, leukocytes, smooth muscle, and endothelium can produce vasoactive substances, products of arachidonic acid metabolsim such as prostaglandins (PGs), prostacyclin (PGI₂), leukotrienes (LTs), and thromboxanes (TXs). These substances can either act as vasodilators or as vasoconstrictors. PGI₂ is essential in vascular function since it inhibits platelet adhesion to the vascular endothelium and has significant vasodilatation qualities. Damaged endothelial cells cannot produce PGI₂, making the vessel more susceptible to thrombosis and vasospasm. Thromboxanes and leukotrienes serve a vascular function during inflammation, generally producing vasoconstriction. Prostaglandins have a vascular role during inflammation, and also play a more subtle role in normal flow regulation, most notable as modulators of other control mechanisms. Prostaglandins have both vasconstrictor and vasodilator activities. Leukotrienes and prostaglandins can also increase the endothelial membrane permeability thus promoting edema during inflammation. Arachidonic acid is naturally present in most phospholipid mixtures or emulsions available today.

Nervonic acid (C24:1) is also called selacholeic acid or tertracosenic acid. Nervonic acid is the predominant nutrient of white matter in glucoside, which is quantitatively contained in nerve tissue and white matter. The absence of nervonic acid may result in cerebral lesion, fatigue, hypodynamia, amentia, and senile dementia. Nervonic acid, tertracosenic acid in another name, is monounsaturated, non-oxidable/decomposed and absorptive. It is called a rare tonic as it is rare existent in nature. It may be obtained in small quantities by extracting from cerebral chrondriosome. Therefore, the substantance is far below the demand of human body. In foreign countries, nervonic acid mainly comes from shark brain and oil.

1.1 Phosphatidylinositol Clinical Applications

Recent advances in nutritional and biochemical research have documented inositol as an important dietary and cellular constituent. Functions of phosphatidylinositol in biological membranes include the regulation of cellular responses to external stimuli and/or nerve transmission as well as the mediation of enzyme activity through interactions with various specific proteins (1).

Inositol has been identified as an important dietary and cellular constituent. Biochemical functions:

a. Regulation of cellular responses to external stimuli

b. mediation of enzyme activity.

Phosphoinositide composition of the central nervous system bell membranes are fatty-acid enriched and consist primarily of phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PIP), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-biphosphate (PIP2). Once the membrane is stimulated, phospholipase C is activated and consequently inositol triphosphate along with diacylglycerol is produced. PI is used as a precursor for phosphatidyliositol-3-phosphate and 3,4,5-triphosphate (2).

Active transport carriers, calcium pumps in the cell membrane itself, and in the endoplasmic reticulum, keep cytoplasmic calcium concentration very low. Usually the calcium concentration inside the cytoplasm is 5,000-10,000 times less than the concentration in the extracellular fluid. This endoplasmic store of calcium can be accessed upon stimulation by inositol. Inositol triphosphate is released from the cell membrane and travels through the cytoplasm until it reaches the endoplasmic reticulum. This inositol then releases the sequestered calcium, which can go on the mediate the release of neurotransmitter in response to depolarization (3).

In addition to releasing endoplasmic reticulum calcium, inositol functions as the major central nervous system non-nitrogenous osmoregulator. Modulation of this inositol pool is regulated in response to states of high or low osmolalities. The inositol pool is supplied via a sodium/inositol transporter, a sodium dependent active transport system, and a passive low affinity transporter (4, 5).

Numerous non-inositol receptors have been identified in the central nervous system that can potentially interact with the inositol signaling system. Most of these receptors are linked to the G proteins and produce inositol-1,4,5-triphoshate as second messengers. These receptors can be found in nearly every human organ system. The potential interactions between these receptors and their agonists are responsible for regulation of the body on a day-to-day basis. In view of the complexity of these systems and their actions, a perfect balance is required for regulation of the signaling systems.

Theoretically, an imbalance of inositol concentration could potentially affect the development and function of one or all of these receptors. Cholinergic receptors are located in the liver, heart, stomach, and lungs. Serotonin and glutamine receptors are found mostly in the central nervous system (CNS) tissues. Adrenergic receptors are present in various tissues including CNS, vascular tissues, and heart. Histaminergic receptors are predominantly found in the lungs and stomach.

Clinical Applications

A change in CNS availability of inositol may produce altered brain signaling and eventually lead to the development of neurological disorders.

a. Depression:

The pathophysiology of depression is believed to be linked to a deficiency of neurotransmitters at post-synaptic receptor sites. According to the catecholamine theory, the deficiency is in the amount of norepinephrine; in the indolamine theory the deficiency is in the amount of serotonin. Receptors linked to the inositol signalling system include serotonin (5HT2a and 5HT2b) and norepinephrine (alpha 1a, 1b, and 1d).

In 1978, Barkai et al demonstrated depressed patients had significantly decreased cerebospinal fluid (CSF) levels of inositol as compared to healthy patients (6). In 1993 this theory was expanded to conclude that administration of high-dose inositol could increase CSF levels by as much as 70 percent (7). This led to the study of inositol for treatment of depression (8, 9). In 1995 Levine et al completed a double-blind study for treatment of depression using inositol at a dose of 12 grams daily compared to placebo. Patients receiving inositol showed significant improvement in depression as ranked by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (33.4+/−6 versus 6+/−10). Another important observation was the absence of manic episodes in the bipolar patients treated with inositol. This lack of manic episodes may suggest that when the signalling system is not overactive, addition of inositol will not increase the signalling system's activity (10, 11). It can be concluded that inositol is effective in managing the clinical manifestations of depression.

b. Panic Disorder:

Benjamin et al expanded the clinical use of inositol by evaluating its effectiveness in panic disorder (12). This was an eight week double-blind, crossover study whereby patients were treated with inositol daily for four weeks and then crossed over to the other study arm. Improvement was assessed using patient diaries, the Marks-Matthews Phobia Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and the Hamilton Depression Scale. The frequency and severity of panic attacks and the severity of agoraphobia declined significantly more after inositol than after placebo (a decrease from 10 attacks per week to 3 per week in the treated group compared to a decrease from 10 to 6 in the placebo group). The authors conclude inositol's efficacy and safety, and the fact that inositol is a natural component of the human diet, make it a potentially attractive therapeutic agent for panic disorder.

c. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

Since the phosphatidylinositol cycle, as a second messenger is known to affect several neurotransmitters, including serotonin receptors, inositol was studied for treatment in OCD in a double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover trail. Thirteen patients were treated for six weeks. There was a significant improvement at week six during the inositol period when compared to placebo period. There were no side-effects reported during the study period (1).

d. Alzheimer's Disease (AD):

Although the role of aluminum in AD is still speculative at best, the presence of aluminosilicates at the core of senile plaques in diseased neurons is a consistent feature found in the CNS of AD patients during autopsy. It is known the aluminum inhibits the incorporation of inositol into phospholipids and the hydrolysis of the phosphoinositides by binding to one of two specific phosphate groups. This binding of phosphate and aluminum affects the calcium releasing effects of the cell. The resulting profound disturbance of the phosphatidylinositol second messenger system may account for neuronal malfunction and eventual cell death (b 13).

Since the potential role of aluminum as a causative agent for cell death my be affected by the deregulation of calcium concentration, possibly due to inositol deletion, supplementation with inositol may produce positive CNS effects. Recent data suggests the loss of PI second messenger system target sited and IP3 receptors may add to cognitive impairment and the failure of conventional therapies in AD. Therefore, supplementation of inositol to replenish the diminished PI system may be beneficial in the treatment of AD (13-20).

In 1996 Barak et al completed a double-blind, controlled, crossover study of six grams inositol daily compared to placebo for 30 days in 11 Alzheimer's patients. Patients in the study were diagnosed with dementia of the AD type as classified by DSM-IIIR and aged 65 years or older. The Cambridge Mental Disorder of the Elderly Examination (CAMDEX) was used as the basic assessment parameter and was administered upon admission into the study. Included in CAMDEX is part A: patient's present physical and mental state, part B: Cognitive Subscale of CAMDEX (CAMCOG), part C: interviewers observations, and part D: physical examination. CAMCOG was repeated at two, four, six, and eight weeks. Participants scored 80 or less on the CAMCOG examination and their symptoms of depression were not severe (21).

Patients were excluded from the study if they had a history of psychiatric, alcohol, and/or drag addiction disorders, or abnormalities in baseline laboratory values (blood count, electrolytes, liver or kidney functions, VDRL, or CT scan) not consistent with AD. Patients with additional neurologic, metabolic, endocrinologic disorders, or presence of internal disease that grossly impaired brain functioning were also excluded.

Subjects were given either three grams inositol or placebo in the morning and again in the evening. After four weeks patients were crossed over into the other arm (inositol or placebo) for an additional four weeks. Only benzodiazepines were allowed during the study period (15 mg of oxazepam or equivalent), provided the patient was receiving it on study entry.

Analysis of the improvement scores of all patients who completed the study showed inositol increased the total CAMCOG score from a baseline of 31.36+/−20.90 to 40.09+/−24.54, while the placebo group increased from baseline of 35.9+/−25.96 to 39.27+/−25. The authors concluded only two of the eight subscales (language and orientation) showed significant improvement with inositol.

Inositol's proposed mechanism of action in the CNS does not include direct manipulation with either pre- or post-receptors. However, it may indirectly affect the relationship between receptor and agonist. By mediating the physiochemical characteristics of the M1 pre-synaptic receptor (solubility, osmolality, etc.), inositol may alter the binding site and influence the signaling that occurs as a result.

1.2 Aging

Phosphatidylcholine rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids is indispensable for cellular differentiation, proliferation and regeneration. The physiologic functions of these phospholipids are related to the morphology of the biological membranes, the incorporation of these molecules into membranes and thus the maintenance of intact cell membranes.

The current study was designed to investigate the effects of Polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine on age-related hearing loss by evaluating its ability to preserve mitochondrial function, protect mitochondrial DNA from oxidative damage and preserve auditory sensitivity (22).

Harlan-Fischer 344 rats, 18-20 months of age, were used as the experimental subjects.

The subjects were caged individually and maintained at 21 to 22° C. in a 12:12 light-dark cycle b.

A dose of 300 mg/kg/day of Polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine was supplemented to each subject, by adding it to the oral diet.

The animals were divided randomly into two groups (n=7 for each group). Group-1 served as the control, and group-2 as the experimental group.

At the onset of the study, Auditory Brainstem Responses were obtained to measure baseline hearing thresholds in all subjects.

Age-associated changes in hearing sensitivities were then recorded at two-month intervals for six months.

In order to assess age-related changes in mitochondrial function, mitochondrial membrane potentials were studied using flow cytometry. For this purpose, peripheral blood was obtained from each subject at the beginning and at the end of the protocol.

At the conclusion, the subjects were euthanized (according to NIH protocol), and tissue samples were obtained from brain and cochlea (stria vascularis and auditory nerve) to study mitochondrial DNA deletion associated with aging. This was achieved by amplifying the specific common aging mitochondrial deletion by Polymerase Chain Reaction. DNA quantification was performed. The data obtained for each protocol was compared between the two groups and attained using ANOVA.

The effects of Polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine on age-related hearing loss demonstrate a gradual age-associated decline in hearing sensitivities at all the frequencies tested (3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 kHz).

There was a statistically significant preservation of hearing noted in the treated subjects at all frequencies, which was observed at four and six months of treatment.

Overall, there was a continued decline in hearing in the control subjects and statistically significant protective effect of Polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine on the experimental subjects (p<0.005).

Mitochondrial membrane potentials were recorded by flow cytometry as a measure of the uptake of Rhodamine 123 by mitochondria.

The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) in group-1 subjects measured 3190 and 2100 at the beginning and end of the study, respectively.

This, approximately, 30% decline in membrane potential with time was statistically significant (p=0.003).

Conversely, the MFI in the experimental group remained essentially unchanged at 2990 from 3165 at the beginning of the study.

This different between the control and treated groups was statistically significant (p<0.05), demonstrating the protective effect of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine supplementation on mitochondrial membrane potential.

Phospholipids are integral structural components of all biological membranes with polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine being the predominant types, quantitatively. They constitute the phospholipid bilayer structure of cellular membranes, which is responsible for membrane stability and cellular function. Polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine maintains and promotes the activity of several membrane bound proteins and enzymes, including Na-K ATPase, adenylate cyclase and glutathione reductase. They are also know to be precursors of cytoprotective agents such as eicosanoids, prostaglandins and antioxidants.

The results of these studies suggest that polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine may protect mitochondrial function by preserving the age-related decline in mitochondrial membrane potentials and hence their activity. The observation that there was less mitochondrial DNA damage in the treated group may explain the effect of preservation of hearing loss associated with aging, by the ability of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine to specifically up-regulate cochlear mitochondrial function. There are many studies demonstrating the effects of mitochondrial metabolites on cognition and aging (22-33). Additionally, recent work has shown that acetyl-L-carnitine and -lipoic acid delay the progression of age-related hearing loss by protecting cochlear mitochondrial DNA from oxidative damage (34). These results support the membrane hypothesis of aging and provide further evidence to support this theory as a possible explanation for age-related hearing loss. Thus, PPC may be one of many rational approaches to consider for the purpose of membrane preservation, enhanced mitochondrial function, reduction of age-associated mitochondrial DNA damage and slowing of some of the aging processes.

1.3 Effect of Phosphoglycolipid Extract (NT Factor) on Normal and Cancerous Cells

Reduced levels of phospholipids in normal cells can limit metabolic activity and limit available energy. Phospholipids, as part of the membrane structure:

-   -   (a) maintain membrane integrity,     -   (b) regulate enzyme activities and membrane transport processes         through changes in membrane fluidity (Spector 1981, 1985).     -   (c) Signal transduction utilizes phospatidylcholine and         phosphatidylinositol for the production of diacyl-glycerol (DAG)         by phospholipase C (Berridge 1989) and for the production of         inositol triphosphate (IP3) (Ranan 1990, Michell 1988, Margolis         1990).     -   (d) One of the choline phospholipids (1-alkyl-2         acetyl-SN-glycerol-3-phosphocholine) is the substrate for the         synthesis of synthesis of platelet activating factor (Synder         1989).     -   (e) The arachidonic acid found as part of the structure of         choline or inositol phospholipid is utilized for the production         of prostaglandin and leukotriene (Nordoy 1990).     -   (f) The choline of phosphatidylcholine may be used in neural         tissue for the synthesis of acetylcholine (Blusztain 1987).     -   (g) Phosphoglycolipid improves cell maintenance and metabolic         activity of normal cells.     -   (h) Phosphatidylcholine derivatives disrupt cancer cells at         concentrations that do not affect normal cells.     -   (i) Phosphatidylcholine is selectively cytotoxic to cancer cells         in vitro (Hoffman 1986, Harmann 1986, Berger 1984).         -   (i) Such compounds inhibit HL60 leukemic cells at a dosage             that has no effect on normal human marrow cells, the tissue             from which the leukemic cells are derived.         -   (ii) Normal cells were able to tolerate 4 times higher             dosage than the leukemic cells during 24 hours incubation             with the phospholipid preparation (Berdel 1986).         -   (iii) There was up to a 5-fold difference in sensitivity             between the normal and tumor cells with breast, ovarian, and             lung cancer cells, as well as with mesothelioma cells (Namba             1993).

1.4 Imaging

Polyunsaturated phospholipids are known to be important with regard to the biological functions of essential fatty acids, for example, involving neural tissues such as the brain and retina. The NMR spectra of polyunsaturated bilayers are dramatically different from those of less unsaturated phospholipid bilayers. MD simulations can aid in interpreting the complex NMR spectra of polyunsaturated bilayers, in conjunction with electron density profiles determined from small-angle X-ray diffraction studies. This work clearly demonstrated preferred helical and angle-iron conformations of the polyunsaturated chains in liquid-crystalline bilayers, which favor chain extension while maintaining bilayer flexibility. The presence of relatively long, extended fatty acyl chains may be important for solvating the hydrophobic surfaces of integral membrane proteins, such as rhodopsin. In addition, the polyallylic DHA chains have a tendency to adopt back-bended (hairpin-like) structures, which increase the interfacial area per lipid. Finally, the material properties have been analyzed in terms of the response of the bilayer to mechanical stress. Simulated bilayers of phospholipids containing docosahexaenoic acid were less sensitive to the applied surface tension than were saturated phospholipids, possibly implying a decrease in membrane elasticity (area elastic modulus, bending rigidity). The above features distinguish DHA-containing lipids from saturated or nonunsaturated lipids and may be important for their biological modes of action.

1.5 In Summary

The functions of the phospholipids are multiple and different for each phospholipid:

-   -   (a) Sphingosine and carbohydrate containing lipids are mainly         concentrated in nervous tissues.     -   (b) The hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts of the phospholipid         molecule allow them to function as emulsifying agents in order         to maintain the proper colloidal state of protoplasm.     -   (c) Phospholipids aid the transport of triglycerides through the         liver, especially during mobilization from adipose tissue.     -   (d) Phospholipids and their metabolites play an important role         in intracellular signalling, for example via         phosphatidylinositol specific phospholipase C, phospholipase D         or phosphatidylinsitol-kinases.     -   (e) Through their concentration in cell membranes they may         somehow be involved in the transport of hydrophobic constituents         into and out of cells.     -   (f) Phospholipids affect brain function in two substantial ways:         (Cohen B. M., Babb S. M., Yurgelun-Todd D., et al. Brain choline         uptake and cognitive function in middle age. Biol. Psych. 1997;         41:90S.)         -   (i) The membranes of brain cells depend on phospholipids as             part of their structure. Phosphatidylserine (PS) is             concentrated in the cell membranes of the brain.         -   (ii) Phospholipids are required for the production of             neurotransmitters.         -   (iii) Choline is a component of the neurotransmitter             acetylcholine. Without adequate levels of acetylcholine, the             brain can't store or retrieve information efficiently.         -   (iv) Lower choline levels in the brain are an underlying             factor for age-related cognitive disorders.         -   (v) Patients submitted to increased choline uptake show             significant improvement in their ability to recall             information and perform on memory retention tests,             suggesting a causal relationship between poor choline status             and cognition.     -   (g) Phosphatidylserine (PS) in Dementia-Related Diseases:         -   (i) Dementia is the deterioration of mental function,             particularly affecting memory, concentration, and judgment.         -   (ii) A frequent cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease.         -   (iii) The first double-blind trial of PS for Alzheimer's             disease was published about a decade ago. (Delwaide P. J.,             et al. Double-blind randomized controlled study of             phosphatidylserine in demented subjects. Acta Neur. Scand.             1986; 73:136-140). In this study, 35 Alzheimer's patients             were either given a placebo or 300 mg. per day of PS for six             weeks. The PS group showed significant improvement after             this short-term supplementation period.         -   (iv) More recently, a large double-blind study of 494             elderly patients with symptoms of cognitive decline compared             a placebo to 300 mg. per day of PS for six months. (Cenacchi             T., Bertoldin T., Farina C., et at. Cognitive decline in the             elderly: A double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter             study on efficacy of phosphatidylserine administration.             Aging Clin. Exp. Res. 1993; 5:123-133.) Memory and learning             of the PS-treated group was significantly improved over the             placebo group, as well as certain emotional and behavior             components of Alzheimer's disease.         -   (v) Supplements of PS have also shown impressive results in             older populations with memory impairment unrelated to             Alzheimer's disease. (Crook T. H., et al. Effects of             phosphatidylserine in age-associated memory impairment,             Neurology 1991; 41:644-649.) Three months of taking 300 mg.             of PS daily, in one study, reversed the decline of memory             function in a group of 149 patients. The memory function of             these men and women initially averaged that of a typical 64             years old. After taking PS supplements, the average memory             function was 52 years old—a mental gain of 12 years.     -   (h) Restoring and Preserving Liver Function:         -   (i) While the phospholipid PS dominates in the mental             function arena, the phospholipid phosphatidylcholine (PC) is             the major player for liver health.         -   (ii) PC protects the liver against damage from alcoholism,             pharmaceuticals, pollutant substances, viruses, and other             toxic influences, most of which operate by damaging cell             membranes.         -   (iii) Many of the studies using PC supplements to aid             recovery of the liver are based on 800 mg. per day (taken             with meals). (Kidd P. M. Phosphatidylcholine: A superior             protectant against liver damage. Alt. Med. Rev. 1996;             1:258-274.) Although PC is a source of choline, studies             reviewed by Dr. Kidd suggest that PC is superior to choline;             in fact choline in its pure form may be detrimental to the             liver's recovery from toxic overload (such as in             alcoholism). As a lipotropic, choline transports fats within             the body, while inadequate choline intake might result in an             unhealthy accumulation of fat in the liver. (Newberne P. M.,             Nauss K. M., and de Camargo J. L. Lipotropes,             immunocompetence, and cancer. Cancer Res. 1983;             43:2426S-2434S.)

2. Flavonoids

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds ubiqitous in nature. They are categorized into isoflavones, anthocyanidins, flavans, flavonols, flavones, citrus flavonoids, hesperidin, chalcones, catechins, rutin, and flavanones. Essential flavonoids, such as quercetin in onions and genistein in soy are actually considered subcategories rather than independent categories. Over 4,000 flavonoids have been identified in fruits, vegetables and beverages (tea, coffee, beer, wine and fruit drinks). Even though they have a similar molecular structure between them, their function are different from each other. Flavonoids have been shown to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antimutagenic, antiviral, antineoplastic, anti-thrombotic, and vasodilatory activity. Quercetin has been proven to block the “sorbitol pathway” which is directly associated with diabetes as well as to prevent LDL-cholesterol oxidative damage, which is essential for the maintenance of a healthy cardiovascular system.

Flavonoids are found in a wide range of fruits and vegetables. For example, Quercetin (a flavonol in vegetables, fruit and onions), Xanthohumol (a prenylated chalcone in beer), Isoxanthohumol (a prenylated flavanone in beer), Genistein (an isoflavone in soy), Chalconaringenin (a non-prenylated chalcone in citrus fruits) and Naringenin (a non-prenylated) flavanone in citrus fruits).

In plants flavonoids have very well defined functions. First, the accumulation of pigment in flower petals, seeds and leafs. Flowers, as pollinators, must attract pollen carriers. Second, they protect plants from UV damage, by absorbing UV at the epidermal layer. Third, they protect the plants against insects and pathogens.

The flavonoid biosynthetic pathway is one of the best understood plant secondary methabolism pathways (1992, Gerats). The key enzymes are phenylalanine-ammonia lyase and chalcone synthase. Phenylalanine-ammonia lyase converts phenylalanine into cinnamic acid as it controls the total flow of carbons into phenolics which is shown to be the limiting step in this pathway (1974, Creasy). Another key enzyme of the flavonoid pathway is the chalcone synthase. It condenses three molecules of malonyl-CoA with one molecule p-courmaroyl-CoA to form a C₁₅ intermediate, naringenin chalcone, with a R stereochemistry at the 2^(nd) carbon. Chalcone isomerase, transforms the intermediate into the first flavonoid of the pathway, 2S-flavonone (naringenin). This reaction is part of all major flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. Chalcone synthase and chalcone isomerase form a complex ensuring the right stereochemistry (1996, Lyster).

The structural components of flavonoids include two benzene rings on either side of a 3-carbon ring. Different combinations of hydroxyl groups, sugars, oxygens, and methyl groups attached to these structures create the various categories of flavonoids mentioned above. The capacity of flavonoids to act as an antioxidant depends upon their biochemical structure, and more specifically, the position of the hydroxyl groups. Epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, luteolin and quercetin exhibit the highest antioxidant activity, followed by epigallocatechin, gallic acid, epicatechin, catechin, rutin, and dihydroquercetin. It is worth noting at this point that the only difference between quercetin or luteolin (the most potent) and dihydoquercetin (the least potent) is the double bond between the second (2^(nd)) and third (3^(rd)) carbons on the center (C) ring. The presence of this double bond significantly increases the antioxidant activity of the flavonoid. Antioxidant activity can be increased with the addition of another hydroxyl group on the B or C ring.

The potent antioxidant activity of flavonoids seems to be the most important function of flavonoids, responsible for many of the above mentioned health benefits.

The flavonoids most recognised by scientists until today are:

Quercetin and Quercetin Chalcone

Quercetin chalcone, is quercetin with an opened C ring and the oxygen found in the C-ring of quercetin converted into a hydroxyl group. Quercetin is mainly found in tea and even more in green tea.

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins

Oligomeric proanthocyanindins are oligomeric flavonoids, usually dimers and trimers, based on the flavan-3-ol, or catechin, molecule, sometimes attached to gallic acid. They are found in the bark of pine trees, in grape seeds and skins, in peanut skins, cranberries, tea, and other sources.

Ginkgo Biloba Extract

Ginkgo biloba extracts contain 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6% terpenes. They are extracted from the eldest living tree species, Gingo Biloba. Scientific research suggests that the beneficial constituents of gingo biloba extracts are quercetin and myricetin.

Luteolin

Luteolin is a flavonoid found in the same foods as apigenin (vegetables and fruits). Scientific research has shown that luteolin and quercetin can inhibit platelet activating factor and suppress the inflammatory response induced by allergens.

Flavonoids have been studied for the last 60 years. Their antioxidant activity is accepted as a scientific fact. Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory research on flavonoids demonstrates the use of flavonoids in the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular disease, cancer, inflammatory conditions, asthma, peridontal disease, liver disease, cataracts and macular degeneration. Until today there has never been a flavonoid extracted from anything other than a plant, vegetable, fruit or algae.

3. Preparation of Extracts

The phospholipid extract of the present invention may be extracted from a variety of marine or aquatic biomass sources. Preferred sources of the phospholipid composition are crustaceans, in particular, zooplankton. A particularly preferred zooplankton is Krill. Krill can be found in any marine environment around the world. For example, the Antarctic Ocean (where the krill is Euphasia superba), the Pacific Ocean (where the krill is Euphasia pacifica) the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean all contain krill habitats. In particular, the coastal regions of Mauritius Island and/or Reunion Island off Madagascar, the Canadian West Coast, the Japanese Coast, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Bay of Fundy are krill habitats.

The phospholipid extract of the present invention is preferably a product of initial processing of the biomass. As such, the phospholipids are extracted from the biomass grease as opposed to the oil, the oil being a product of subsequent processing steps of a biomass. Since the phospholipid extract is derived from the biomass grease, the viscosity of the phospholipid extract tends to be higher than extracts from biomass oils. The extract has a very high natural stability with a peroxide value of zero or approaching zero and a good Oil Stability Index of less than about 0.2 Meq/kg after 20 or more hours. Table 1 below details the stability of the extract.

TABLE 1 Stability indexes of the extract after 50 hours at 97.8° C. Peroxide value (mEq/kg) <0.1 Oil Stability Index (after 50 hours) at 97.8° C. <0.1 (mEq/kg) Saponification Index 70-180 Iodine Index (%) 60-130

Phospholipids are generally present in the extract in an amount of at least 40% w/w, preferably at least 45% w/w. More preferably, the amount of phospholipid is from about 45-60% w/w. A variety of types of phospholipids may be present in the extract. These include phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyclin.

The phospholipid extract preferably further comprises a number of other components. The extract may also comprise fatty acids, antioxidants and/or metals.

Fatty acids found in the phospholipid extract may be saturated, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are particularly preferred, the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids being most preferred. In particular, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), myristic acid, myristoleic acid, lignoceric acid, linolenic acid, alpha linolenic acid, nervonic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid and palmitoleic acid are present in significant quantities. Arachidonic acid content of the extract is generally very low to non-existent despite the presence of phosphatidyl inositol and phosphatidyl serine. Other lipid components that may be present in the extract include monoglycerides, triglycerides and/or cholesterol.

Table 2 below details the fatty acid compositions of the phospholipids of the extract.

TABLE 2 The fatty acid composition of the extract of the phospholipids Total PL PC PE Fatty Acids FA % FA % FA % C14:0 MYRISTIC 2.04 1.70 0.7 C14:1 MYRISTOLEIC 1.22 C15:0 PENTADECANOIC 0.2 0.30 0.3 C16:0 PALMITIC 24.08 26.50 23.9 C16:1 PALMITOLEIC 2.24 2.30 0.7 C18:0 STEARIC 1.02 1.30 2.9 C18:1 OLEIC 9.18 11.90 24.1 C18:2n6 LINOLEIC 1.63 2.30 0.8 C18:3n6 GLA 1.02 0.30 C18:3n3 ALA 1.02 1.30 C18:4n3 OTA 1.84 2.00 0.3 C20:0 ARACHIDIC C20:1 cis-11-EICOSENOIC 0.41 0.60 0.7 C20:2n6 EICOSADIENOIC C20:3n6 METHYL ETA 0.20 C20:4n6 ARACHIDONIC 0.61 0.70 0.6 C20:3n3 Homo-γ- LINOLENIC C20:4n3 C20:5n3 EPA 27.35 31.90 12.9 C22:0 BEHENIC C22:1 ERUCIC 1.22 1.50 C22:2n6 C22:4n6 C22:5n6 METHYL DPA C22:5n3 DPA 1.00 C22:6n3 DHA 24.9 14.20 32.1 C24:0 LIGNOCERIC C24:1 NERVONIC Total 100.0 100 100

Compared to phospholipids existing in the market today, the extract phospholipids:

(a) achieve a superior profile;

(b) have the highest quantities of polyunsaturated fatty acids;

(c) have the highest quantities of DHA;

(d) are the only phospholipids that contain EPA; and

(e) are the only phospholipids that contain a combination of EPA and DHA on the same molecule.

PL=phospholipid

FA=fatty acid

PC=phosphatidylcholine

PE=phosphatidylethanolamine

Free fatty acids are present in the extract in an amount of at least 4% w/w and preferably at least 5% w/w. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular omega-3fatty acids, preferably make up at least 15% w/w, more preferably at least 40% w/w, and even more preferably at least 45% w/w, of the total lipids in the extract. DHA and EPA are generally the largest component of the fatty acids and preferably account for at least 32% w/w, more preferably at least 35% or 37% of the total lipid content of the extract.

Table 3 below details the fatty acid composition of the total lipids of the extract.

TABLE 3 Fatty acid composition of total lipids of the extract Sample % Fatty Acid Composition C14:0 ≧3.00 C14:1 ≧0.01 C15:0 ≧0.3 C16:0 ≧20.00 C16:1 ≧3.25 C18:0 ≧1.00 C18:1 ≧10.00 C18:2n6 ≧2.00 C18:3n6 GLA ≧0.04 C18:3n3 ALA ≧0.01 C18:4n3 ≧1.50 C20:0 ≧0.05 C20:1 ≧1.00 C20:2n6 ≧0.05 C20:3n6 ≧0.05 C20:4n6 ≦0.50 C20:3n3 ≧0.01 C20:4n3 ≧0.20 C20:5n3 EPA ≧25.00 C22:0 ≧0.01 C22:1 ≧1.50 C22:2n6 ≧0.03 C22:4n6 ≧0.01 C22:5n6 ≧0.01 C22:5n3 DPA ≧0.50 C22:6n3 DHA ≧10.00 C24:0 ≧0.01 C24:1 ≧0.05

Table 4 below also details the fatty acid composition of the total lipids of the extract.

TABLE 4 Fatty acid composition of total lipids of the extract Saturated (g/100 g lipid) ≧22.00 Monounsaturated (g/100 g lipid) ≧11.00 Polyunsaturated (g/100 g lipid) ≧35.00 Omega-3 (g/100 g lipid) ≧30.00 Omega-6 (g/100 g lipid) ≧1.00

Antioxidants present in the extract may include vitamin A (for example, all-trans retinol), vitamin E (for example, alpha-tocopherol), beta-carotene, astaxanthin (mainly esterified but non-esterified may be present), canthaxanthin and/or flavonoids. Antioxidants are preferably present in the extract in an amount of at least 20 and preferably at least 200 mg/100 ml.

Table 5 below details the lipids and other compounds (non-metal) of the extract.

TABLE 5 Lipid composition, vitamins A and E, pigments and flayonoids of the extract Monoglycerides (MG) (g/100 g sample) ≧0.7 Triglycerides (TG) (g/100 g sample) ≧3.00 Free Fatty Acids (FFA) (g/100 g sample) ≧5.00 Cholesterol (g/100 g sample) ≦2.00 Total Phospholipids (PL) (g/100 g sample) ≧40.00 Phosphatidyl Ethanolamine (PE) (g/100 g sample) ≧2.50 Phosphatidyl Inositol (PI) (g/100 g sample) ≧0.20 Phosphatidyl Serine (PS) (g/100 g sample) ≧0.20 Phosphatidyl Choline (PC) (g/100 g sample) ≧35.00 Sphingomyelin (g/100 g sample) ≧0.50 Vitamin A (μg/100 ml) ≧1,400 Vitamin E (μg/100 ml) ≧15 Beta-Carotene (μg/100 ml) ≧1,600 Astaxanthin (mg/100 ml) ≧10 Canthaxanthin (mg/100 ml) ≧10 Flavonoid (mg/100 ml) ≧7.0

The metals present in the extract are preferably zinc and selenium. Zinc is preferably present in an amount of at least 0.05 mg/100 g of extract while selenium is generally present in an amount of less than 3 mg/100 g of extract.

Table 6 below details the metals content of the extract.

TABLE 6 Metal composition and solvent residue of the extract mixture Zinc (mg/100 g) >0.1 Selenium (mg/100 g) <2 Solvent residue <25 ppm

Table 7 below details the physiochemical characteristics of the extract.

TABLE 7 Physiochemical characteristics of the extract Color Red Viscosity (cPs) <1300 Odor Fish

Extraction of the phospholipid composition from the biomass is generally carried out by a method similar to the one described in commonly owned PCT publication number WO 00/23546, published on Apr. 27, 2000, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The extraction is generally carried out by successive acetone and alcohol treatments. For the extraction of the instant application, the preferred treatment involves the use of >60% acetone in the first extraction followed by extraction with a mixture of organic solvents at 65-95%/45-50% preferably acetone, ethyl acetate/ethanol mixture. The most preferred extraction solvent system is 100% acetone in the first extraction followed with a 95%/5% ethyl acetate/ethanol mixture. However, other ketones can also be used in combination with or in place of acetone. The alcohol can be other than ethanol, e.g., isopropanol or t-butanol. The acetate may also vary. Further, the ratio of alcohol to acetate may vary widely from 100:0 to 0:100. The procedure produces tow successive lipid fractions and a dry residue enriched in protein, including active enzymes.

Preferably, freshly harvested and finely divided marine and aquatic animal material is subjected to acetone extraction, for at least about two hours and preferably overnight. However, extraction time is not critical to the yield of lipid extracted. Particle sizes of comminuted crustacean less than 5 mm are preferred. The extraction is preferably conducted under an inert atmosphere and at a temperature of about 5 degrees Celsius or less. The mixture may be agitated during extraction and a volume ratio of about 6:1 of acetone to biomass is generally most preferred.

The solubilized lipid fraction is separated from the solid starting material by known techniques, for example, by filtration, centrifugation or sedimentation. Filtration is preferred. The residue is optionally washed with acetone to recover more lipid and the acetone removed by flash evaporation or spray drying. Water residue is allowed to separate from the lipid extract at low temperature.

The solid residue left on the filter from the initial extraction is suspended and extracted with 95/5 ethyl acetate/ethanol, preferably two volumes (original volume of material). The filtrate is evaporated yielding a second fraction of lipids. Extraction period is not critical although it is preferred to extract for about 30 minutes at a temperature below about 5 degrees Celsius.

Each phospholipid is subdivided into multiple categories depending on the fatty acids that are attached to the molecule. The biological activity, bioavailability as well as the value of phospholipids is determined by the purity and the source:

-   -   (a) Purity:         -   (i) Optimal purity of the phospholipid or flavonoid of the             invention is at least 99% by weight. The purity of the             phospholipid or flavonoid after extraction from the krill             may vary, but will normally be in the range of at least             90%to 100% of the/or mixture of phospholipid compound(s).             Usually, the purity will be at least 95%. Preferably, the             purity will be at least 96%, 97% or 98%. More preferably,             the purity will be a least 99.5%. Most preferably, the             purity will be at least 99.9%. By “purity” is meant that the             phospholipid or flavonoid of the invention is isolated from             other phospholipids, flavonoids, or components of the             extract, to the weight percent specified. Isolation may be             performed by e.g. HPLC. For example, a phospholipid that is             99% pure, contains less than 1% by weight of any material             other than the specified phospholipid.         -   (ii) Higher bioavailibility and efficacy is achieved with             higher purity.         -   (iii) Phospholipid market value is directly analogous to the             purity achieved for the final product.     -   (b) Source and fatty acid content:         -   (i) The types of fatty acids attached to the phospholipid is             widely dependent upon the source.         -   (ii) Plant source phospholipids contain mainly palmitic acid             (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), vaccenic acid (18:1), linoleic             acid (18:2) or alpha-linoleic acid (18:3).         -   (iii) Animal source phospholipids contain a higher             percentage of longer-chain fatty acids with higher degree of             unsaturation like homo-gamma-linoleic acid (20:3),             arachidonic acid (20:4), behenic acid (22:0) and             docosahexanoic acid-DHA (22:6).         -   (iv) Neptune Krill Oil™ (the present invention)             phospholipids contain high quantities of eicosapentanoic             acid-EPA (20:5) and docosahexanoic acid-DHA (22:6). Their             fatty acid profile closely resembles that of human brain             phospholipids.         -   (v) The efficacy in human health and the value of             phospholipids increases directly analogous to the length of             the fatty acid chain and the degree of unsaturation.             Therefore, phospholipids with more polyunsaturated fatty             acids attached to them are more efficacious and of higher             value.         -   (vi) Arachidonic acid, although polyunsaturated, has been             proven to predispose to inflammatory disease. Hence,             moderate quantities are preferred.         -   (vii) DHA and EPA are the two most active polyunsaturated             fatty acids in the human body, contributing to all health             benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acids.         -   (viii) The highest quantities of polyunsaturated fatty acids             contained in the phospholipids in the market today are:     -   a. Arachidonic acid: 30.1%     -   b. Homo-gamma-linolenic acid: 9.0%     -   c. DHA: 8.4%

4. Pharmaceutical, Nutraceutical and Cosmetic Compositions

The phospholipid extract of the present invention may be used with or without other additives. Preferably, no other additives are used. However, if other additives are used, pharmaceutical or nutraceutical formulations may be made by methods known in the art. For example, the compositions of the present invention may be formulated in a conventional manner using one or more pharmaceutically or nutraceutically acceptable carriers. Thus, the extract may be formulated for oral administration. For oral administration, the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical compositions may take the form of, for example, tablets or capules prepared by conventional means with pharmaceutically or nutraceutically acceptable excipients such as binding agents (e.g., pregelatinised maize starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose); filters (e.g., lactose, microcrystalline cellulose or calcium phosphate); lubricants (e.g., magnesium stearate, talc or silica); disintegrants (e.g., potato starch or sodium starch glycollate); or wetting agents (e.g., sodium lauryl sulphate). The tables may be coated by methods well known in the art. Liquid preparations for oral administration may take the form of, for example, solutions, syrups or suspensions, or they may be presented as a dry product for constitution with water of other suitable vehicle before use. Such liquid preparations may be prepared by conventional means with pharmaceutically or nutraceutically acceptable additives such as suspending agents (e.g., sorbitol syrup, methyl cellulose or hydrogenated edible fats); emulsifying agents (e.g., lecithin or acacia); non-aqueous vehicles (e.g., almond oil, oily esters or ethyl alcohol); and preservative (e.g., methyl or propyl p-hydroxybenzoates or sorbic acid).

When the phospholipid extract of the inventions is used as nutraceutical, it can be in the form of foods, beverages, energy bars, sports drinks, supplements or other forms all as are known in the art.

As noted above, the phospholipid extract of the invention is also useful in cosmetic preparations, e.g., moisturizing creams, sun-block products and other topical cosmetic products as known in the art.

The phospholipid extract of the present invention may be used in the treatment or prevention of a variety of disease states including: liver disease; chronic hepatitis; steatosis; liver fibrosis; alcoholism; malnutrition; chronic parenteral nutrition; phospholipid deficiency; lipid peroxidation; disarrhythmia of cell regeneration; destabilization of cell membranes; coronary artery disease caused by hypercholesterolemia; high blood pressure; menopausal or post-menopausal conditions; cancer, e.g., skin cancer; hypertension; aging; benign prostatic hyperplasia; kidney disease; edema; skin diseases; gastrointestinal diseases; peripheral vascular system diseases (e.g. leg ulcers); pregnancy toxemia; and neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases (e.g. Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, autism, attention deficit disorder, learning disorders, mood disorders, bipolar depression, multiple selerosis, muscular dystrophy).

The extracts are also useful for targeting tumors and can be used in conjunction with radioisotopes for diagnosing central nervous system tumors. The extract can also be used to reduce local fat deposits and reducing visible cellulite. The extract can also be used in aesthetics such as breast enlargement by acting on the lobular tissue of the breast and by increasing hydration of the breast.

As noted above, the present invention provides novel phospholipids derived from a marine or aquatic biomass. The novel phospholipids have the general formula (I):

wherein X represents a moiety normally found in phospholipids, e.g., —CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₃, CH₂CH₂NH₃ or

for phophatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine or phosphatidylinositol, respectively.

The left hand acid residue is derived from docosahexanoic acid (DHA) [C22:6n3]. The right hand acid residue is derived from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) [C20:5n3]9.

These novel phospholipids have all of the uses noted above for phospholipids in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic compositions.

As noted above, the present invention also provides a novel flavonoid compound derived from a marine or aquatic biomass. The novel flavonoid compound has the formula (II):

The novel flavonoid is an antioxidant and thus is useful in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic compositions of the invention.

As used herein and in the claims, where the term “about” is used with a numerical value, the numerical value may vary be at least ±50%. Preferably, the variation will be ±40% or ±30% and more preferably ±20% or ±10%. Even more preferred variations are in the range ±5%, ±4%, ±3% or ±2%. Most preferably, the variation is in the range of ±1%.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 to 3 are chromatograms of the product of Example 1.

FIG. 4 is a mass spectrograph for characterizing the novel flavonoid compound (II).

The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

The extraction of the phospholipids for Example 1 was as described above for krill extractions.

EXAMPLES Materials and Methods

For analysis of lipids, samples were dissolved in solvent and standards were added. Lipid classes were isolated using silica gel and quantified. Fatty acid composition of total lipids and individual phospholipids was determined by gas chromatography. Pigments were measured by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography.

Example 1

This example illustrates the isolation and molecular characterization of the phospholipids from the extract.

Sample #804 Molecular Species Determination

The sample contains large amounts of phospholipids, mainly:

PC (438.48 mg/g lipid)

PE (183.15 mg/g lipid)

Preliminary results were obtained only for these two phospholipid fractions.

METHODS Separation of Main Phospholipid Fractions

To obtain large quantities of PC and PE, separation was done by Thin Layer Chromatograph (TLC) and bands identity was confirmed by HPLC.

Diacylglycerol Formation

Both fractions (PC and PE) were incubated with phospholipase C, the enzyme which removes choline phosphate form PC and ethanolamine phosphate from PE. The remaining diacylglycerols were extracted with ethyl ether.

Benzoate Derivatization

Each mixture of diacylglycerols needed to be derivatized (using benzoic anhydride and 4-dimethyl-aminopyridine) to make further separation possible. In a parallel experiment, derivatization was done for three standard authentic diacylglycerols, dilinolein, diolein and dipalmitin.

Subclass Separation

A preliminary separation of diacylglycerols derivatives into subclasses was done by TLC. Diacylglycerol derivations obtained from PC and from PE separated into two major bands (#3 and #4). Additional bands #2 were also visible very close to the start. Only bands #3 and #4 were processed further because their localization corresponded to the localization of main band #2 obtained for a mixture of standards (benzoate derivatives of dilinolein, diolein and dipalmitin).

Example TLC Plate Separation

#3 #2 #4 (Rf = 0.37) #4 (Rf = 0.37) #3 (Rf = 0.25) #3 (Rf = 0.25) #2 #2 Start Start Start Std Mix PC PE

HPLC Fractionation

Bands #3 and #4 obtained for PC and PE were eluted and further separated into individual diacylglyercol species by HPLC. To confirm a number of peaks for the subsequent GC analysis, each peak was collected and separately re-run on HPLC.

Number of Confirmed Peaks:

For PC band #3, nine peaks were identified and confirmed.

For PC band #4, nine peaks were identified and confirmed.

For PE band #3, eight peaks were identified and confirmed.

For PE band #4, eight peaks were identified and confirmed.

See FIG. 1. Hydrolysis, Methyl Ester Derivatization and GC Analysis

For both PC and PE, all confirmed peaks obtained from HPLC separation of band #3 were hydrolized and fatty acid profiles were determined by GC after conversion into methyl esters. Peak identity was assessed by mass spectrometry. Fatty acid profiles were compared to those obtained for intact PC and PE fractions subjected to hydrolysis and methylation.

RESULTS

The peak surface areas calculated for fatty acid molecular species in selected fractions are summarized in Table 8. the peak fatty acid areas for intact PC and PE fraction are in Table 9. The representative Gas Chromatography profiles for an individual fraction and for intact phospholipid (PC) are presented in Table 10.

The Gas Chromatography profiles obtained for individual peaks were only partly consistent with profiles obtained for intact PC. They contained only 5-6 major peaks while Gas Chromatography profiles of intact phospholipids consist of much higher number of peaks. Among the 5-6 peaks consistently found in molecular species profiles, only two had identity confirmed by mass spectrometry (C16:0 and C18:0). Among the remaining three peaks, one did not correspond to any fatty acid and two had retention times identical to those of authentic omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA.

The C16:0 peak was prominent in all individual molecular species profiles and was also prominent in the intact phospholipid fractions. For the C18:0 peak, its proportions found in individual peaks were relatively high. Oleic acid (C18:1) was found at high levels in both PC and PE fatty acid profile.

TABLE 8 Molecular species peak areas obtained for selected fractions. Fraction C16:0 C18:0 EPA RT 48.33 DHA PC band #3 F1 205.27 57.79 42.76 103.83 62.07 PC band #3 F2 21.39 8.87 0 71.96 7.11 PC band #3 F3 58.74 17.70 0 45.64 14.75 PC band #3 F4 93.41 9.72 0 44.31 9.19 PC band #3 F5 19.87 9.67 4.56 46.89 3.96 PC band #3 F6 15.26 10.34 12.45 59.86 14.29 PC band #3 F7 28.32 10.93 30.70 56.83 25.12 PC band #3 F8 6.39 4.49 0 84.24 11.89 PC band #3 F9 14.65 8.21 8.60 58.95 28.22 PE band #3 F2 4.50 10.79 0 77.68 9.19 PE band #3 F3 26.85 22.14 14.45 49.62 21.76 PE band #3 F4 13.08 22.45 28.70 62.11 29.43 PE band #3 F5 22.42 20.34 11.06 100.79 30.61 PE band #3 F6 3.05 6.13 4.93 54.88 7.28

TABLE 9 Selected fatty acid peak areas of intact PC and PE Un- C16:0 C18:0 C18:1 EPA identified DHA Re- 15.80 21.66 22.36 + 22.63 39.68 48.34 53.59 ten- tion time PC 1141.36 35.75 257.99 642.50 68.61 192.22 PE 166.43 20.45  87.75 59.77 110.27 109.63 See FIG. 2

TABLE 10 The representative GC profiles for an individual fraction and for intact phospholipid (PE) CH PKNO TIME AREA HEIGHT MK IDNO CONC 1 5 0.826 17654310 1368301 E 21.8397 13 2.637 11027760 1352920 E 13.6422 14 2.916 2167386 203115 E 2.6812 15 3.15 597812 87264 V 0.7395 22 4.408 667991 60799 V 0.8264 29 7.063 7293939 290768 9.0231 30 8.397 144489 13997 0.1787 32 9.933 32467398 1384059 E 40.1646 33 10.252 8166303 661493 V 10.1023 43 14.451 348072 20030 0.4306 44 14.813 102126 9975 0.1263 45 15.12 198366 21561 0.2454 TOTAL 80835952 5474282 100 See FIG. 3

Example 2

UVB-Induced Skin Cancer

Objectives

To evaluate the photoprotective potential of krill extract against UVB-induced skin cancer.

Study Design

Randomized control trial

Statistical significance p<0.05

Study Phase

Pre-clinical

Experimental Animals

Type: Nude Mice

Strain: C57BL6 Nude Congenic Mice—B6NU-T (heterozygotes)

(Preference of specific type because of proven susceptibility to skin cancer).

Study Protocol

Number of nude mice=96

Randomization groups: 48 placebo: 16 per os

16 local application

16 per os and local application

48 krill extract: 16 per os

16 local application

16 per os and local application

In order to establish efficacy of krill extract for the prevention of shin cancer, the test was conducted as a randomized double blind controlled trial (both the pathologist and the research assistant were blind). Half of the mice were treated orally or topically or both with extract containing 100% by weight of krill extract and the other half underwent the same method of treatment with a placebo. The groups were divided as follows:

Nutrition: Week 1: fat-free chow

Week 2-20: according to group

Experimental Design:

The mice were divided in six groups as follows:

Group A: fat-free chow with supplementation of soy extract (20% of total calories)

Group B: fat-free chow (100% of calories)+local application of soy extract 2 times per day

Group C: fat-free chow with supplementation of soy extract (20% of total calories)+local application of soy extract 2 times per day

Group D: fat-free chow with supplementation of krill extract (20% of total calories)

Group E: fat-free chow (100% of calories)+local application of krill extract 2 times per day

Group F: fat-free chow with supplementation of krill extract (20% of total calories)+local application of krill extract 2 times per day

Week 2-20: UVB radiation using a fluorescent text lamp, emission spectrum 270-400 nm.

Week 3-20: liquid from blisters formed is examined for PGE2 levels

Week 3-20: mice are anaesthetized with either and sacrificed when malignant tumours have formed or at the end of the 20 weeks.

Skin is examined by pathologist for signs of carcinogenesis.

The results are shown in the following Table 11.

TABLE 11 Frequency of cancer Krill Oil Placebo Application Frequency % Frequency % Oral 13 69.3 Topical 0 63.8 Oral & Topical 0 37.5

In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that both oral and topical krill extract maybe effectively used for the protection of skin against the harmful effects of UVB radiation including skin cancer.

Example 3

This example illustrates the use of the present krill extract in improving dyslexia and abnormal motor function in a 7 year old girl.

2 g per day of the krill extract were given to a 7 year old girl suffering from dyslexia and abnormal motor function. After 1.5 months, she showed:

Increased learning ability (blind observation by psychologist)

Improved motor function (moderate ice skating)

Improved social skills

Improved speech

Accordingly, the krill extract has beneficial neurological properties.

All publications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings of this invention that certain changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.

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1.-120. (canceled)
 121. A method for preventing or treating coronary artery disease comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprising a phospholipid of the general formula (I),

wherein: R1 and R2, each together with the respective carboxyl groups to which each is attached, each independently represents a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or an eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) residue, X is —CH₂CH₂NH₃, —CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₃ or

and said composition is suitable for human consumption.
 122. The method of claim 121, wherein said composition is contained in a capsule suitable for oral administration.
 123. The method of claim 121, wherein composition further comprises an additional lipid selected from monoglycerides, triglycerides, cholesterols and mixtures thereof.
 124. The method of claim 121, wherein said composition comprises polyunsaturated fatty acids in an amount of at least 15% w/w of the total lipids.
 125. The method of claim 124, wherein said polyunsaturated fatty acids are omega-3 fatty acids.
 126. The method of claim 121, wherein said composition comprises phospholipids in an amount of at least 40% w/w.
 127. The method of claim 121, wherein said composition further comprises astaxanthin.
 128. The method of claim 121, wherein said composition is derived from an aquatic or marine source.
 129. A method for preventing or treating hypercholesterolemia comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprising a phospholipid of the general formula (I),

wherein: R1 and R2, each together with the respective carboxyl groups to which each is attached, each independently represents a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or an eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) residue, X is —CH₂CH₂NH₃, —CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₃ or

and said composition is suitable for human consumption.
 130. The method of claim 129, wherein said composition is contained in a capsule suitable for oral administration.
 131. The method of claim 129, wherein composition further comprises an additional lipid selected from monoglycerides, triglycerides, cholesterols and mixtures thereof.
 132. The method of claim 129, wherein said composition comprises polyunsaturated fatty acids in an amount of at least 15% w/w of the total lipids.
 133. The method of claim 132, wherein said polyunsaturated fatty acids are omega-3 fatty acids.
 134. The method of claim 129, wherein said composition comprises phospholipids in an amount of at least 40% w/w.
 135. The method of claim 129, wherein said composition further comprises astaxanthin.
 136. The method of claim 129, wherein said composition is derived from an aquatic or marine source.
 137. A method for preventing or treating hypertension comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprising a phospholipid of the general formula (I),

wherein: R1 and R2, each together with the respective carboxyl groups to which each is attached, each independently represents a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or an eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) residue, X is —CH₂CH₂NH₃, —CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₃ or

and said composition is suitable for human consumption.
 138. The method of claim 137, wherein said composition is contained in a tablet or capsule suitable for oral administration.
 139. The method of claim 137, wherein composition further comprises an additional lipid selected from monoglycerides, triglycerides, cholesterols and mixtures thereof.
 140. The method of claim 137, wherein said composition comprises polyunsaturated fatty acids in an amount of at least 15% w/w of the total lipids.
 141. The method of claim 140, wherein said polyunsaturated fatty acids are omega-3 fatty acids.
 142. The method of claim 137, wherein said composition comprises phospholipids in an amount of at least 40% w/w.
 143. The method of claim 137, wherein said composition further comprises astaxanthin.
 144. The method of claim 137, wherein said composition is derived from an aquatic or marine source.
 145. A method for preventing or treating coronary artery disease comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprising a krill extract comprising a phospholipid of the formula (I),

wherein: R1 and R2, each together with the respective carboxyl groups to which each is attached, each independently represents a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or an eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) residue, and X is —CH₂CH₂NH₃, —CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)_(3,) or

the extract is extracted under conditions suitable for preserving an effective amount of a phospholipid having two independently selected fatty acid chains within the same molecule selected from EPA and DHA; the extract comprises phospholipids in an amount of at least 40% w/w; the extract comprises omega-3 fatty acids in an amount of at least 15% w/w; the extract comprises astaxanthin and the extract is suitable for human consumption. 